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A cup of entrepreneurship with…Audrey Victoria

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Audrey Victoria. I’m a freelance illustrator and photographer, with a big love for hand-lettering as well. I’m currently living in Eindhoven with my guy Kevin, plus our cute little parrot named Django.
As a kid, I was always interested in drawing, taking pictures and writing, so soon after I graduated, I knew; I wanted to work in the creative scene! So I decided to start my own brand.

Nowadays, four years later, my freelance work is a variety of photoshoots and illustrations. Telling stories is what I love doing, whether it’s through photography or through visuals like branding, or hand-lettered custom cards. Telling stories that lasts forever. I like that about this job.

What would you consider your distinctive achievement?

I’m the kind of person who celebrates every tiny victory. Haha, I really do! I can be totally excited when that watercolor technique finally worked out or even when a big brand calls me and says; Hi, can we set up a photoshoot? I just like taking things step by step. I’m very ambitious and I really enjoy working hard for it. So distinctive achievements are in my opinion, every step closer to reaching my goal in being an experienced illustrator and photographer.

But if I had to name one moment very recently, then it’s when I saw my name and photography for the very first time in a magazine, last month. And believe me, it’s not a four page spread or something, but just three pictures with my name on it. Still. I’ll never forget that moment.

What are you looking forward to?

I just finished a few big projects in illustrations and hand-lettering and my passion and love for it grows with the minute. Shortly after, I decided it was time to expand and focus on this side of my business. So, I’m currently working on my first big stationery line. A complete hand crafted line, from wedding stationery to birth cards to funny postcards with quotes. I can’t wait to launch this new line! It’s still gonna take a while though, cause I really want this to be good. And you know. Good things take time!

Which advice would you give to other professionals?

I always think of that question as a hard one to answer!

When I look at myself, there are three things that get me inspired and energized: 1) the passion and love for this work 2) sharing creativity with clients through these challenging projects every single time and 3) the support and feedback.
That last one is very important to me. When I’m working on a new project, or just finished one; I love talking about it with my guy, and my friends. These people are always there for me to spill their thoughts (and more importantly; their HONEST thoughts) about my work. It’s great feedback and it broadens your scope a bit. It also helps me to get more quality out of my work. Another way of support, is the support I get from followers on my Instagram for instance. The love they give on your work is a great way of getting motivation!

And to continue on that social thing like Instagram. I think it’s very important to be visible as well. I’ve gained so many connections through Instagram by just uploading my work there. Or even by uploading sloppy sketches. Somehow, people pick it up. And see you work, and when you do it frequently, they’ll follow you and recognize it and start remembering you. I believe in that kind of power of social networks. At least, that’s how it worked out for me! I even got my first big calligraphy project because of a photo I uploaded where I was just watercoloring some leafs and writing down words.

What are the challenges we need to overcome to make cultural entrepreneurship more accessible?

I hope people stop underestimating the work we do. It’s not just taking a few pictures with a good camera (I hate it when people say that haha), a bit Photoshop here and there. Or hey can you design this card for me but wait! You only have to spend an hour on it okay?

No, it’s so much more than that.

It’s a whole process, from moodboards to taking pictures, selection and post production. Spending hours in Adobe Lightroom blablabla – and the same goes for my fine art! Ideas, sketches, digitalizing, sketching with colours, finetuning, feedback, more sketching, more paper, and so on!
I take my work very seriously and put a lot of hours and passion into it. I just hope that, as a freelance photographer and illustrator; people will know the value of our work one day. And that it comes with a price tag. (Cause I also have to pay the bills). 😉